Downtown Developers Get Big Money in Latest Hunger Games

December 21, 2018

Several developers will get large grants from the state for downtown projects. The Regional Economic Development Councils held its annual award ceremony earlier this week. Often referred to as “the Hunger Games,” regions around the state compete for prizes. The Finger Lakes Region was awarded $86.5 million for various projects.

Here are the downtown Rochester projects receiving state cash:

– Buckingham Properties will receive $1.25 million to “construct a new 6-story mixed-use commercial and residential building at the former mall location. Several floors will be occupied by Butler Till Media Services as their new headquarters location.”

– Midtown Reborn LLC will receive $1.725 million to renovate the old Richford Hotel building on Chestnut St., now clad in ugly white siding. The structure, built in 1915, has been vacant for many years. The building will be converted into a 100-room hotel.

The developers have never donated to the mayor. The city took the owners to court a couple years ago, trying to condemn the building as it was taking too long to rehabilitate. The case was apparently settled.

– Winn Development will receive $600,000 for the Sibley Building to “renovate a portion of the first floor of the former department store in downtown Rochester for a public market space. The market tenants will offer fresh food concepts at affordable prices.”

Winn is among the largest donors to Warren.

None of these awards require a vote of the state legislature. The money will be administered by Empire State Development.